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Government of Canada Supports the Aboriginal Community in Whitehorse

WHITEHORSE, YUKON--(Marketwire - Aug. 18, 2010) - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Daniel Lang, Senator (Yukon), and Dick Harris, Member of Parliament (Cariboo–Prince George) and Chair of the BC/Yukon Caucus, today announced funding for a project of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation that supports Aboriginal culture and heritage in Whitehorse.

This funding will be used by the Kwanlin Dün First Nation to develop a permanent exhibit for its new cultural centre, including interpretive panels, displays of artifacts and artwork, and audiovisual materials.

"Our Government is committed to making meaningful and sustainable improvements in the lives of Aboriginal people," said Minister Moore. "We know that this investment brings social, cultural, and economic benefits to the entire population."

"This organization provides considerable support to the people of Whitehorse," said Senator Lang. "The funding announced today will help it continue to deliver culturally focused services and build a stronger community."

"Whitehorse has a vibrant and diverse society, and our Government is proud to invest in organizations that support our heritage," said Mr. Harris. "I commend the Kwanlin Dün First Nation on its work in preserving and promoting Aboriginal culture."

"The building of our cultural centre on Whitehorse's downtown waterfront—both the centre of our traditional territory and the socio-economic hub of contemporary Yukon—is a milestone event for the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and a cause for great celebration," said Saskia Bunicich, Director of Economic Development for the Kwanlin Dün First Nation. "Canadian Heritage's funding will kick-start the process of defining and developing the exhibits and displays that will showcase our cultural heritage to non-native residents, visitors to the territory, and ourselves."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $190,000 over two years through the Museums Assistance Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides funding to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and that facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.

Contact Information

Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
Matthew Deacon - Press Secretary
819-997-7788matthew.deacon@pch.gc.ca
or
Canadian Heritage
Media Relations
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155media@pch.gc.ca